Naughty Dog Rips off a Map from a map maker

This is a discussion on Naughty Dog Rips off a Map from a map maker within the Last of Us, The forum, part of the L; http://transitmaps.tumblr.com/post/5...9/boston-theft
The top image above is apparently a screen capture of a new Playstation 3 game called “The Last of ...

Naughty Dog Rips off a Map from a map maker

The top image above is apparently a screen capture of a new Playstation 3 game called “The Last of Us” developed by a company called Naughty Dog and released on June 14, 2013. According to Wikipedia, the game has received several “perfect” scores from game review sites and has had the biggest gaming launch of 2013, with 1.3 million units sold in its first week.

The lower image is, of course, my redesign for the Boston T map, which I first posted on the internet on March 11, 2012. Notice any similarities?

Basically, I’m fucking furious.

For a software developer — especially a big developer working on a blockbuster title like this — to casually appropriate someone else’s work and incorporate it into their game without any discussion with the owner of that work is completely unacceptable. (Not to mention hugely ironic, as the software industry is always complaining about piracy of their work.)

Naughty Dog seems to have known that they couldn’t use the official map without paying a hefty license fee, so it looks like they just went on the internet and found another one. Cos, you know, images on the internet are free for anyone to use, right? Not.

To be clear: at no point have Naughty Dog contacted me about using my intellectual property (this visual representation of the Boston rapid transit network) in their product.

To be even more clear: if you want to use my work commercially, payment before usage is required. If you’re making money from your product, then you can pay me for my work as well.

I am attempting to open communications with them now to ask where they came across the image, how it ended up in their game (with very pointed questions about their approvals and legal process), and what kind of compensation I can expect for the theft of my work.

the actual public boston map that the actual city uses for comparison:

UPDATE, TUESDAY JUNE 25, 1:00pm: I’ve just spoken with Naughty Dog over the phone in a very constructive conversation. Can’t say more at the moment, but it seems as if matters will be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction shortly. I can say that they do acknowledge their error in using my map and were very apologetic for it. I likewise apologised for my initial vitriolic post. A lot of mutual respect for each other’s creative work.It’s been a hell of a last couple of days: thanks for the support from many, and the interesting and varied comments from most.Hopefully, back to regularly scheduled Transit Maps content soon!

That map in game is so beautifully translated and crafted. Just seeing it during my playthrough made the whole game a 10/10. Wow that map, I just can't get over it, incredible. Well worth the $60 just to see that splendid piece of work.

Dude needs to get the fuck over himself. Like the map really made the game all it's sales

That actually reminds me of all the ourage that came from the use of Manchester Cathedral in Resistance: Fall of Man. Taking that into consideration, I wouldn't be surprised if someone raged and whined about old North Church being in the game, even id the player doesn't interact directly with it.

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Social Group of the Year (2011, 2012): Platboy Online. Sig by Ramon, so praise the crap out of him.

My posts can be humorous or serious, but it's up to you to decide which posts are which.

Lmao at his change of attitude, they must've paid him good to shut the hell up

Well other than the complaint of taking someone's likeness and map design
i see no one complaining about the games story so that good
like have yet to play so I don't know what happens other than the obvious from trailers

And you know this how? Were you peering over the level artist's shoulder as he callously and deliberately "stole" this guy's design? Or is it just that, for some reason, you have a chip on your shoulder for The Last of Us?

I'm not saying he's gold digger, but that cartographer ain't messing with no... we'll you get the point.

Subway maps are shown all the time in travel shows, reality shows, even TV dramas. I am sure this hilariously desperate mapmaker goes and asks for proper retributions there as well.

Successful game is going to have money grubbing hands, just don't be surprised if a new standard is set. That gun? Looks just like a Smith and Wesson M&P 40. That there car? Looks just like our 1997 Hyundai Elantra model. That there cotton swab? With the purple colored stick? Manufactured by Q-tip in 2007. If one person is able to get payment, there will be a long list of people sticking out their hands and wanting handouts.

And guess who ends up paying for the extra bit in the end? The gamers. S

For fuck sake. I used to have a lot of respect for Naughty Dawg with Jak and Daxter and Ratchet and Clank and (most of) Uncharted, but this is just unforgivable. As a reputable artist on the up and coming in Barcelona, who has done similar work to the lad who was ripped off, this infuriates me.

I'll never buy a Naughty Dawg game again.

- PS3T OG - All Hail The Eyepat
"If I find out that LeeMcD slags my good name off to anyone else I will personally track him down and teach the little puff a lesson." - LEE200

For fuck sake. I used to have a lot of respect for Naughty Dawg with Jak and Daxter and Ratchet and Clank and (most of) Uncharted, but this is just unforgivable. As a reputable artist on the up and coming in Barcelona, who has done similar work to the lad who was ripped off, this infuriates me.